Hank Has a Dream

Hank Has a Dream
Author: Rebecca Dudley
Rating: 3.5/5 Stars
Reviewer: Denise Z.

 



Summary: Hank relates to a friend a dream in which he flies to the sea, past the trees, and over the clouds.

Review: I enjoyed the unique illustrations in this book more so than the story. Author and Illustrator Rebecca Dudley impressively designs everything that is depicted in each picture for the story, including Hank the bear and the scenery that surrounds him. This is a picture book with few words and unique illustrations that makes it worthwhile to pick up and read at least once.

Hidden

Hidden
Author: Loic Dauvillier
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
Reviewer: Julie H.



 

Summary: This serious graphic novel begins with a young girl listening as her grandmother shares, for the first time, of how she was hidden away from the Nazis after being separated from her parents as a young Jewish girl in Paris. The story is sad, but ends on a positive note. The book also includes an afterword that provides more historical details to accompany the story.

Review: While this graphic novel is about a grim subject, it also highlights the kindness of people in a time of need and the power of hope. The illustrations really convey the characters’ emotions, and the dialogue will teach young readers about a terrible time in history while still offering them a happy ending. I would recommend this for children 3^rd grade and up, and I encourage parents to read this book with their child and discuss this difficult subject together.

Winnie: The True Story of the Bear Who Inspired Winnie-the-Pooh

Winnie: The True Story of the Bear Who Inspired Winnie-the-Pooh
Author: Sally Walker
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Reviewer: Sue

 

Summary: When Harry Colebourn’s World War I troop was stopped at a train station in Winnipeg, Manitoba there was a bear cub for sale.  Since Harry was a veterinarian, he thought he could take care of the bear, and he bought him.  Naming the cub Winnipeg for the city where Harry found him, Winnie travels with Harry and his troop to a training camp in Quebec and becomes a favorite of the entire troop.  Winnie even goes overseas with the troop.  Winnie sleeps under Harry’s cot, follows him as Harry takes care of the horses, and becomes a loved mascot of the regiment.  When the regiment is sent to the battlefield, Harry takes Winnie to the London Zoo.  Winnie is so tame and gentle that the zoo keepers actually let the children ride on her back.  Young Christopher Robin is taken with Winnie and renames his stuffed bear Winnie-the-Pooh.  Christopher Robin’s father makes up stories about Winnie-the-Pooh, that he eventually writes down.

 

 

Review: The illustrations are beautiful, and there are actual photos of Winnie and Harry.  It is an interesting story of the real Winnie-the-Pooh. 



 

Wings

Wings
Author: Aprilynne Pike
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
Reviewer: Julie H.

Summary: Homeschooled teenager Laurel has always felt a little different from other kids her age, but she doesn’t learn just HOW different until she discovers that she isn’t even human… As Laurel tries to understand the truth of who and what she is, she is pulled into a centuries-old battle between faeries and trolls, and is forced to make decisions that may save or destroy her whole race.

Review: Although this series shares many similarities with the Twilight series and may be criticized as just another teen love triangle, I think Aprilynne Pike has created a beautiful and fantastic world of her own, filled with likeable characters and an exciting plot. (Disclaimer: Readers who didn’t like Bella from Twilight may have the same frustrations with Laurel.) However, I loved this series. I finished all four books within a week and if Aprilynne Pike picked up pen and paper and wrote four more, I would happily sacrifice another week’s sleep to spend more time in this magical world.